There is a new addiction in kiddie town these days. The addition to screen time on tv, laptops, mobile phones and tablets. While screen time keeps them entertained, they are barely lever earn anything new. Its like being on a rocking chair where you keep moving but reach nowhere. Thanks to the screen addiction from an early age kids are coming inactive and technology dependent for the smallest of things. Here are our tips to get kids active again.
1. Practice don't preach: The simplest possible advice that one can give is to practice an active life and have the kids join in. If children see their parents leading active lives, they are more likely to follow suit. It is no help trying to coax the kids to be active when you yourself prefer to slouch on the couch in front of the tv. Take up a sport or a hobby or learn something new and stay busy. Kids will eventually pick up the habit, especially if you involve them in whatever it is that you are doing. If you play a sport teach it to your child or join classes to learn a new sport together. It not only makes children more active, it helps the parent and child to bond better over shared experiences. Having an active life of your own is example and inspiration enough for your kids to follow
2. Limit screen time: Television, laptops, mobile phones, tablets all count as screen time. Keep screen time at minimal. Spending long hours in front of the screen can make kids complacent and excessively dependent on technology for the smallest of things. Getting kids to limit their screen time means that as parents you will have to limit your own screen time too. No tv or mobile phones during dinner to start with. Screen time should be restricted and monitored for appropriate content.
3. Get busy: Keep the kids busy with stimulating activities that helps them learn new things. Watch a you tube video and experiment with new things. Nothings gets kids more excited and curious than trying new things together. Find an activity that your child enjoys and sign them up for classes for the same. They will learn some thing new, remain active and learn to socialise too. Get them a new hobbs or a new educative toy to play with. It helps get their minds and bodies up an running.
4. Join a sport: The simplest and best way to ensure that your child is active enough for their age. Sports requires hard work, discipline, sportsmanship and determination. Once a sports person always a sports person. Sports is known to literally kick the laziness and procrastination out of you. The adrenaline rush from playing sports will keep them coming back for more.
5. Make family times fun: Plan fun activities for the family. Learning new things together and experiencing them is helpful for raising active kids. Travelling with kids is another learning experience that no school on earth can match. Be it something as playing games together or planning family nights, doing things together as a family will make kids be more active without them even knowing.
